Sacramento, California – California’s fight over who controls its National Guard has produced another significant court ruling, more than a year after troops were federalized and deployed around Los Angeles.
The latest decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit backs California’s argument that the Trump Administration went beyond its legal authority, reinforcing limits on presidential power over state National Guard forces.
The Ninth Circuit affirmed a lower court finding that the federalization of California National Guard troops violated the Constitution and exceeded federal authority. The court also rejected an effort by the Administration to withdraw its appeal involving the temporary restraining order.
Attorney General Rob Bonta called the decision another rejection of what California officials have described as federal overreach.
“Once again, the courts have rejected the Trump Administration’s attempts to circumvent the law for its own political agenda,” Bonta said.
“Deploying the National Guard in Los Angeles with no rhyme or reason was a clear example of federal overreach, and it will not be tolerated.”
The legal dispute began in June 2025, when Bonta and Gov. Gavin Newsom sued the Trump Administration over orders federalizing California Guard members and using troops in Los Angeles. California argued that the deployment also violated restrictions on military involvement in civilian law enforcement.
A federal district court initially granted California emergency relief, ordering control of the Guard returned to Newsom.
The dispute later expanded. In August 2025, California presented evidence alleging violations of the Posse Comitatus Act, eventually securing a permanent injunction against similar activity. In October 2025, Bonta also obtained a ruling blocking California National Guard troops from being sent to Portland, Oregon, over objections from both states’ governors.
Newsom said the latest Ninth Circuit ruling has implications beyond California.
“Today is a crucial day for the rule of law, upholding the Constitution, and defending democracy,” Newsom said, arguing that the case created legal precedent protecting states from similar federal action.
California has also supported legal challenges involving National Guard deployments in Illinois, Oregon and Washington, D.C., making the Los Angeles dispute part of a broader legal battle over the boundaries of presidential authority and state control of Guard forces.